16 Days of Activism
Campaigning around the world through our members for an end to gender-based violence
Standing together for dignity and safety
We are supporting the United Nations 16 Days of Activism campaign, which runs annually from 25 November to 10 December.
As abuse happens 365 days a year, this campaign is part of the Mothers’ Union’s wider, continuous programmes to act against violence and support survivors globally, in Britain, and in Ireland.
Support Mothers' Union
How you can join this campaign
The theme for 2026 is Together for dignity and safety. Mothers’ Union stands united across the world to promote peace in every home and community. This reflects our core commitments:
- Dignity – Recognising the value and worth of every person as created in God’s image.
- Safety – Creating homes, churches, and communities where people are protected from violence, abuse, and exploitation.
- Togetherness – Recognising that preventing violence requires collective action from women, men, young people, families, churches, and communities.
Ensure Justice, Protect Survivors, End Impunity
Our sub-theme directly aligns with the United Nations campaign – Ensure Justice, Protect Survivors, End Impunity. We place survivors at the heart of our mission while demanding stronger laws, institutional accountability, and proactive steps to stop violence before it starts.
Find linked resources here
Get involved
You can act against violence by finding out what your local diocese is doing, raising awareness online, and joining upcoming community and faith activities.
Start Local
Find out what is happening: Ask what your local diocese and partners are already doing in your area. Find out more about what is being done in your local diocese.
Build on existing work: Connect with local groups to understand the need and support their current efforts.
Engage online
Share messages: Post campaign updates on social media using available templates in our Resources.
Act
Host or attend events: Join local meetings that spotlight the barriers survivors face.
Create visible displays: Highlight the issue through creativity by designing engaging art, craft, and photography exhibitions. You can also partner with impactful initiatives like the Red Chair project.
Wear any campaign colour: There are lots of colours associated with abuse related campaigns. Wear orange, purple, or white using clothes you already own.
Display materials: Put up posters for RISE UP in public or private spaces using our website resources.
Talk to leaders: Ask local decision-makers how they support survivors and check the UK government’s freedom from violence strategy and the Republic of Ireland’s latest report for guidance.
Build networks: Connect local with local partners and talk to friends & family to share resources.
Educate yourself and others
Read facts: Review the latest data and myth-busting materials.
Understand links: Explore insights on how domestic abuse, trauma, and imprisonment intersect, alongside pieces examining the connections between domestic abuse and modern slavery.
Stay safe: Review bystander guidance to learn how to help safely.
Faith and worship
Attend a service: Join the live-streamed Church of England service on Saturday 22nd November.
Join the global action: Take part in our Global Day of Action on Saturday 28th November 2026.
Choose local activities: Plan services, prayer vigils, community walks, candle-lighting moments, or ribbon displays.
You can find all resources related to 16 Days of Activism on our Resources page.
